Carl Baker, Jr

Carl Baker Jr., born December 14, 1926. Passed away July 20, 2009 at the age of 82. He was a long time resident of Longview and a member of Wesley Methodist Church; where he taught Sunday school for many years. Mr. Baker and his brother Rogers Deceased started and owned Gas Engine and Compressor Service, a local small business, from 1962 until present. Later in life, Carl reconnected with Julia Ann Montgomery, a hometown friend from his younger days in Bradley, AR. They shared a special friendship until this day. He is preceded in death by his wife Helen Baker, his brother Rogers Baker, his parents Carl and Ruth Baker. He is survived by his sister and brother in law, Martha and Dale Massey of Granbury Texas, his four children; daughter Karen Hailey of Hot Springs, Ar., daughter Ann Lee of Tallahassee, FL, son Don Baker of Conway, AR, son David Baker of Longview, TX, sister-in-law, Betty Baker and four nieces. He had eight grandchildren; Daniel Baker of Chattanooga, TN, Amanda Baker of Austin, TX, Troy Lee of Tallahassee, FL, Hubert Lee of Conway, AR, Jeremy, Nick, and Natalie Baker of Longview, TX, and Carl Waddill of Houston, TX. And one great-grand child, Keira Baker of Longview, TX. Carl grew up in Bradley, AR. At age 17, he joined the Navy and served his country during WWII. He went on to earn his Bachelors in Business Administration form the University of Arkansas in 1949, where he was also a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity. Carl was an entrepreneur at heart and he loved his business. He was an innovator and pioneer in his field and was recognized as such by the Oil & Gas Journal in 1966. He had a lifelong passion for flight and when he stopped flying airplanes, this passion led him to bird watching and sailing. He is dearly missed. Special thanks to Dr. Rangu and staff, the staff at Westminster Buckner, the staff at Longview Behaviorial Hospital, the staff at Southwood Nursing Home, the staff at Whispering Pines Nursing Home, Kilgore Allegiance Behavioral, the staff at Odyssey Hospice, and the staff at ETMC Henderson. Funeral services will be Noon Friday, July 24, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home with Reverend Jerry Turner and Reverend Don Baker officiating. Entombment will follow in Lakeview Mausoleum. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10 AM to Noon. Pall bearers will be Jay Baker, Nick Baker, Carl Waddill, Daniel Baker, Bud Crabtree and Dale Massey. "I am the captain of my ship I am the master of my soul."

Carl Baker, Jr

December 14, 1926 - July 20, 2009